With Eid-ul-Adha just a few days away, the buying of sacrificial animals is yet to reach the extreme frenzy of previous years.

This is because for many customers, the price of cattle is simply too high.

Karachi's main cattle market, which is the biggest in all of Pakistan, usually attracts cattle owners from all over the country.

It is famous for the large variety and quantity of cattle on offer, as well as prices that will suit all kinds of buyers.

This year, however, with the economy in distress and purchasing power on the wane, the situation is comparatively grim.

At the market, most buyers complained that the increase in prices has even exceeded the usual inflationary trends seen in other goods.

Cattle owners, meanwhile, say that they have no other option but to increase prices as there has been an exponential increase in the cost of animal feed.

It remains to be seen over the next few days whether there will be the usual frenetic buying activity and excitement associated with Eid-ul-Adha.

But for now, there is a darkening on the horizon for buyers and sellers alike.